Flood Rescue Donkeys Now Safe and Thriving After Dramatic Rescue
By Animals Correspondent
Six donkeys rescued from severe flooding in Somerset are now safe and recovering well thanks to the efforts of The Donkey Sanctuary.
Mimi, Martha, Mabel, Aida, Pippin and Lily-Mae were stranded after floodwater swept across their smallholding when a nearby river burst its banks during Storm Chandra earlier this year.
With much of the land submerged, the animals were left huddled on a small patch of dry ground.
After their owner contacted the council for help, the charity stepped in to carry out a rescue operation.
Senior Donkey Welfare Adviser Sarah Kenward arrived on site to assess the situation.
Sarah recalls: “In my 14 years working within the animal welfare sector, I hadn’t seen flooding like it. I would estimate that the site was 95 percent underwater.
“It was heartbreaking to witness the animals surrounded by water, with no means of escaping their situation.
“The constant rain had caused the donkeys’ stable area to flood; their bedding was floating on top of the water, and the only hardstanding the donkeys could access was near one trailer, with the stormy conditions bringing a tree down on another trailer.”
Working alongside veterinary teams, the donkeys were carefully assessed and later transported to safety once they were fit to travel.
They were taken to the charity’s New Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth, where they have since made excellent progress.
Since arriving, the group has gone from strength to strength.
They have received hoof care, worming treatment, and are set to undergo dental checks and vaccinations. A tailored diet, including straw feed and nutritional support, is helping them regain condition after their ordeal.
The charity says the case highlights the growing challenges faced by animal owners as extreme weather becomes more common, but also the importance of planning and seeking support when needed.
DON'T MISS:
Good News Post
Sarah continues: “Understanding the risks and developing a contingency plan based on your own circumstances will help in times when urgent action is needed. Our Donkey Advice Centre and regionally based Donkey Welfare Advisers are able to provide friendly, practical advice and guidance to owners throughout Great Britain.”
Now safe and settled, the rescued donkeys are continuing their recovery and will eventually be found new loving homes.
Sarah added: “The whole situation was incredibly sad but thanks to our amazing teams, it was so rewarding to bring the donkeys to the sanctuary, to safety, and help them on their journey to find new forever homes.”
TO SEE MORE FROM THE DONKEY SANCTUARY CLICK HERE
